WhatsApp in trouble with new AI feature

WhatsApp’s newly added AI feature has sparked controversy, as it cannot be removed from the app—despite Meta describing it as “entirely optional.” The feature appears as a blue circle with pink and green accents in the bottom-right corner of the Chats screen. Tapping it opens a chatbot designed to answer user questions.

However, users are frustrated that the feature is permanent and can’t be disabled. This comes after a similar backlash Microsoft faced over its “Recall” feature, which led them to allow users to turn it off. WhatsApp told that offering users more options is beneficial and said it is paying attention to user feedback. The company compares the AI tool to other unremovable app features like “Channels” and “Status.”

Currently, the AI feature is being rolled out gradually, and not all users will see the blue circle just yet. Along with the circle, a new search bar appears inviting users to “Ask Meta AI or Search.” Similar features are also showing up on Facebook Messenger and Instagram, all of which are owned by Meta. The chatbot runs on Meta’s Llama 4 large language model.

Before users begin interacting with it, WhatsApp displays a message describing Meta AI as an “optional” feature that can help answer questions, teach new things, or spark ideas. When tested, the bot provided accurate weather information, though one of the links it shared pointed to the wrong location.

User reactions in Europe have mostly been negative, with many voicing annoyance on social media. AI and privacy expert Dr. Kris Shrishak criticized the feature, accusing Meta of using people as test subjects and collecting data under the guise of helpful tools. He raised concerns about the company’s use of personal data and unauthorized content—like pirated books—to train its AI models, an issue now facing legal challenges from authors.

Meta has not responded to those claims but assures users that personal messages remain encrypted and inaccessible to the AI. Only conversations with the AI bot are visible to Meta. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office says it will continue to monitor how Meta handles personal data, especially when children are involved.